Responsible Fibers.
Verified Supply Chains.
Independent certification for hemp, flax and linen — audited by Control Union, from field to finished product.
THE STANDARDS
One Framework. Hemp, Flax & Linen.
The Responsible Bast Standard sets shared requirements for responsible production, processing and chain of custody. Crop-specific modules reflect the distinct agricultural and industrial characteristics of each fiber.
RHS — Responsible Hemp Standard. Hemp fiber supply chains, from cultivation to finished product.
RFS — Responsible Flax Standard. Flax fiber supply chains, from cultivation to finished product.
RLS — Responsible Linen Standard. Supply chains for linen — textile material made from flax fiber.
WHY RBS
Build It In From the Start.
Hemp, flax and linen are still a small share of global textile fiber production — but a growing one, with rising demand from textile and material markets.
That timing is an opportunity. Instead of retrofitting responsible practices into a mature supply chain, as larger fiber sectors have spent decades and significant investment trying to do, RBS builds them in while the bast fiber category scales.
The Responsible Bast Standard gives growers, processors, mills and brands one credible framework for responsible production, processing and traceability — from the field to the finished product.
TRANSITIONING FROM RHS
Already RHS Certified?
July 2026 – July 2027
Adoption of RBS is optional. Organizations can certify to RBS or continue under RHS, based on their application and preference.
From July 2027
RBS Version 2.0 becomes the sole certification standard for hemp, flax and linen, replacing RHS as a standalone standard.
Claims Backed by Evidence.
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Defined Practices
Published environmental, social and operational requirements for growing, processing and handling bast fibers.
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Documented Traceability
Chain-of-custody controls and transaction certificates record certified material each time it changes hands.
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Clear Claims Rules
Defined rules for product labeling and logo use keep certified claims accurate, consistent and easy to check.
HOW CERTIFIED MATERIAL MOVES
From Field to Finished Product.
A sourcing claim is only as strong as the weakest link behind it. RBS pairs production and processing requirements with chain-of-custody documentation, so certified material can be followed through every stage.
01 Farm — hemp and flax are grown and harvested to the standard’s agricultural requirements.
02 Primary Processing — retting, decortication and scutching separate fiber from the stalk.
03 Yarn & Material — fiber is spun, woven, knitted or formed into yarn, fabric and materials.
04 Manufacturing — certified materials are cut, sewn or formed into finished goods.
05 Finished Product — product claims are supported by the transaction certificates behind them.
Certification covers only the organizations and scope named on each certificate. Transaction certificates document certified material each time it moves between certified organizations.
INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION
Standards You Can Verify.
INCCert develops and administers the standards. Control Union, our certification partner, provides independent third-party audits and certification.
Keeping standard-setting separate from certification is what gives an RBS certificate its credibility.
CERTIFIED SUPPLY CHAINS
Find Your Path to RBS.
Farmers & Growers — document responsible cultivation and harvest practices, and bring certified fiber to market.
Processors & Mills — demonstrate responsible processing and keep certified material segregated and documented.
Traders & Distributors — maintain chain of custody so certified material keeps its status as it changes hands.
Brands & Manufacturers — source from certified suppliers and make product claims that follow the RBS labeling and claims rules.
Sourcing certified material? Find certified suppliers by fiber, country and supply-chain role — and confirm certificate scope and status before making a claim.
[Placeholder: featured certificate holders — approved logo, country and supply-chain role]
Build a more transparent bast fiber supply chain.
Whether you grow, process, trade or source hemp, flax or linen, we’ll help you identify the right standard and certification scope for your organization.